The Lancaster County Health and Wellness Commission and DHEC has begun a joint project to identify and celebrate restaurants that meet the smoke-free guidelines established by the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While participation in this project is strictly voluntary, we hope that all Lancaster County restaurants will take this opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to making our county healthier.

After reading your article announcing Charlene McGriff’s candidacy for the Lancaster County Council District 2 seat, I decided to write a letter to The Lancaster Newsr stating what a great job she would do as council woman.

I am a school board member of the Orangeburg County Consolidated School District 3. I met Ms. McGriff eight years ago at a S.C. School Board Association Conference.

She gave an outstanding presentation on closing the achievement gap in education and implementing effective policies.

The gift of life. Larry Estridge is quite familiar with that gift. In 2007, Estridge was given 100 units of blood after a surgery that went awry. Without that lifesaving gift, Estridge would not be here today.

The American Red Cross is issuing an urgent plea for blood donations because of a shortage of blood supply in the Southeast. Blood shortages often occur in the summer because donations and the number of organizations that are able to sponsor blood drives decrease, according to the agency.

There is a special primary election scheduled for Sept. 15. This is a very important and critical election for District 2. I’m asking residents of District 2 to vote for my mother, Charlene McGriff. I’m very proud to say that she is my role model. Usually you will hear parents talk about how proud they are of their children, but I must say I am overjoyed and honored to see the accomplishments that my mother has made throughout the years.